Awang Sekmai sets up VVF
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 13 2023:
In the face of the persistent threat from Kuki militants, seven localities of Awang Sekmai have joined together and set up a Village Volunteers' Force (VVF) .
The Coordination Committee of Awang Sekmai and Kanglatongbi Kanba Lup and the people of Sekmai held a meeting at Sekmai Kangjeibung this afternoon.
The meeting decided to set up a VVF in order to defend the area.
The VVF was jointly set up by Awang Sekmai Khunou Makha, Awang Sekmai Mayai Lambi, Awang Sekmai Khunou Mathak, Awang Sekmai Mayai Leikai, Awang Sekmai Khajingpat and Awang Sekmai Awang Leikai.
Speaking to media persons, Coordination Committee of Awang Sekmai and Kanglatongbi Kanba Lup chairman M Goura said that there are many Kuki villages around Sekmai which harbour Kuki militants.
In the view of the lingering threats posed by the Kuki militants, the villagers decided to set up a defence force out of sheer necessity, he said.
The VVF would not indulge in any unlawful activity but would be limited to defending their villages which is permitted by law, M Goura said.
Kuki militants attacked Sekmai, Kanto Sabal, Singda and Kadangband in the intervening night of May 27 and 28 and again on June 5 .
The one and only principle of the VVF is protection of Sekmai, Meitei villagers and their properties, he said.
Commanders of the VVF set up today said that discipline is the primary essence of the defence force.
They said that the volunteers would dedicate themselves to protecting innocent villagers from the offensive of Kuki militants and their supporters who are engaging in acts of terrorism.
They decried that the protracted violent crisis has derailed all economic activities.
The time for the Meitei people to cry and watch helplessly when they are attacked by Kuki militants and their houses are burnt down is over.
It's time for the Meitei people to unite and work together for self defence.
The commanders also appealed to the Meitei people of Imphal area to lend support to the VVF set up today so that they can successfully defend Sekmai and surrounding areas.